Here we are again! The start of another National Hunt season and the excitement is really starting to build for fans of jump racing.
We’re just waiting for some more rain to get that first bit of proper soft, jumping ground, then we’ll start seeing our favourite horses back on the track. It comes thick and fast, so buckle up.
I want to wish my good friend Robbie ‘Puppy’ Power all the best of luck on his big move over to live in the UK.
He’s got a young family over here in Ireland, so the decision would have taken lots of deliberating, but it looks like the right thing to do for his career – especially given the current goings on.
He’s a great friend, a gentleman and one of the best in the saddle, so I hope he gets rewarded with plenty of winners.
Chepstow on Friday
The big race of the day is the Persian War Novices’ Hurdle (15:15), which Paul Nicholls always targets a good one at.
This year, he saddles McFabulous , who was a good winner at Kempton Park on his last start.
He does, however, have a 3lb penalty to carry and would probably appreciate further, which is why I think Everglow is the one to be on at the prices.
He finished second on his debut at Chepstow in what is always a good bumper and then finished third in a really hot race at Cheltenham next time.
He’s a big horse who will appreciate more cut in the ground, so the more it rains, the better for him.
Phillip Hobbs has won this race before and has earmarked this race for his horse.
Joe Farrell runs in the Veterans’ Handicap Chase (16:55) and I think he has a cracking chance if he’s fully wound-up first time out.
He’s a Scottish Grand National winner, so you know he’ll stay well. He went off favourite for this race last year and ran a cracker to finish third. He runs off the same mark, so he must be competitive.
With Robbie Power moving over to the UK, he’s going to be more determined than ever to ride winners, and I don’t think he’ll have to wait too long.
He rides Ofalltheginjoints for Colin Tizzard in the Novices’ Chase (17:25) and he should take some beating.
He did well over hurdles but has always looked a chaser and I think he’ll relish stepping up in trip, too.
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